US5352194A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Automated device for liposuction
Assignee: University of Pittsburgh
•
Filing: 1992-06-29
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Granted: 1994-10-04
•
Expires: 2012-06-29
Abstract
Abstract The present invention provides a device for performing suction lipectomy or liposuction in which the reciprocal motion required during the liposuction procedure is automated. This automation greatly reduces the physical exertion required of the operating surgeon. The present invention also allows the use of smaller cannulae to achieve an improved aesthetic result. Use of such smaller cannulae with the manual liposuction procedures currently in use would be extremely taxing if not impossible.
Inventors
- 👤 Richard J. Greco
- 👤 Mark B. Freidman
- 👤 J. William Futrell
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 22:40
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61M; A61M1/00; A61M1/84; A61M1/89; A61B; A61B18/00; A61B2018/00053; A61B2018/00184; A61B2018/00196; A61M2202/00; A61M2202/08; A61M2205/00; A61M2205/10; A61M2205/106; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S604/00; Y10S604/902
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 72
Claim 1
Independent Claim
135 words
An automated device for performing suction lipectomy comprising: (a) a cannula; (b) a powered means for producing a reciprocal, rectilinear motion of the cannula, said motion being of a stroke length of at least 1 cm.; (c) a means for operatively connecting the cannula to said means for producing a reciprocal, rectilinear motion; and (d) a control means in operative connection with said powered means for maintaining active control over the reciprocal, rectilinear motion produced by the powered means, said control means comprising means for providing a control signal to said powered means responsive to input from the group consisting of a predetermined waveform and feedback from operation of said cannula, said control means being operable to control the reciprocal, rectilinear motion in a desired manner via the control signal provided to said powered means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
135 words
An automated device for performing suction lipectomy comprising: (a) a cannula; (b) a powered means for producing a reciprocal, rectilinear motion of the cannula, said motion being of a stroke length of at least 1 cm.; (c) a means for operatively connecting the cannula to said means for producing a reciprocal, rectilinear motion; and (d) a control means in operative connection with said powered means for maintaining active control over the reciprocal, rectilinear motion produced by the powered means, said control means comprising means for providing a control signal to said powered means responsive to input from the group consisting of a predetermined waveform and feedback from operation of said cannula, said control means being operable to control the reciprocal, rectilinear motion in a desired manner via the control signal provided to said powered means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
A device according to claim 1 further comprising means for controlling the stroke length of the cannula.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
A device according to claim 2 wherein said means for controlling the stroke length comprises mechanical abutment means which are variable in position.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
A device according to claim 2 wherein said means for controlling the stroke length comprises switch means appropriately located to control the stroke length.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
A device according to claim 4 wherein said switch means are variable in position.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
A device according to claim 1 further comprising a means for sensing force exerted upon the cannula by said power means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
40 words
A device according to claim 6 further comprising a means for warning an operator when the force exerted upon the cannula exceeds a predetermined threshold value, said warning means being in operative connection with said means for sensing cannula force.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
44 words
A device according to claim 6 further comprising a means for ceasing powered operation of said powered means when the force exerted upon the cannula exceeds a predetermined threshold value, said means for ceasing powered operation being in operative connection with said control means.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
18 words
A device according to claim further comprising a means for substantially restricting tangential, rotational motion of the cannula.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
22 words
A device according to claim 1 further including a means for substantially counteracting reactionary force created by the motion of the cannula.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
14 words
A device according to claim 1 wherein said control means further comprises a microprocessor.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
14 words
A device according to claim 1 wherein said control means further comprises a servomechanism.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
24 words
A device according to claim 1 wherein at least one electric motor is used as the powered means for producing the reciprocal, rectilinear motion.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
24 words
A device according to claim 1 wherein at least one hydraulic actuator is used as the powered means for producing the reciprocal, rectilinear motion.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
24 words
A device according to claim 1 wherein at least one pneumatic cylinder is used as the powered means for producing the reciprocal, rectilinear motion.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
15 words
A device according to claim 15 wherein said pneumatic cylinder is a single-acting pneumatic cylinder.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
15 words
A device according to claim 15 wherein said pneumatic cylinder is a double-acting pneumatic cylinder.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
17 words
A device according to claim 15 further comprising means for controlling the stroke length of the cannula.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
23 words
A device according to claim 18 wherein said means for controlling the stroke length comprises mechanical abutment means which are variable in position.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
24 words
A device according to claim 18 wherein said means for controlling the stroke length comprises switch means appropriately located to control the stroke length.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
14 words
A device according to claim 20 wherein said switch means are variable in position.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
20 words
A device according to claim 15 further comprising a means for substantially restricting the tangential, rotational motion of the cannula.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
27 words
A device according to claim 22 wherein said means for restricting the tangential, rotational motion of the cannula comprises pneumatic cylinder rod having a non-circular cross section.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
14 words
A device according to claim 23 wherein said rod has a hexagonal cross section.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
27 words
A device according to claim 22 wherein said means for restricting the tangential, rotational motion of the cannula comprises a guide means external to said pneumatic cylinder.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
25 words
A device according to claim 15 wherein tangential, rotational motion of the cannula is restricted by attaching the cannula to more than one pneumatic cylinder.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
21 words
A device according to claim 15 further including a means for substantially counteracting reactionary force created by the reciprocal, rectilinear motion.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
30 words
A device according to claim 27 wherein said counteracting means comprises a least one slave cylinder operating in opposition to at least one pneumatic cylinder powering the reciprocal, rectilinear motion.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
27 words
A device according to claim 15 further comprising a means for maintaining active control over the reciprocal, rectilinear motion produced by said at least one pneumatic cylinder.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
16 words
A device according to claim 29 wherein said active control means comprises at least one servovalve.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
21 words
A device according to claim 15 further comprising a means for maintaining active control over vacuum pressure supplied to the cannula.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
14 words
A device according to claim 31 wherein said vacuum control means comprises a microprocessor.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
25 words
The device of claim 15 further comprising a means of supplying a fluid to an area in the vicinity of an aperture of the cannula.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
22 words
The device of claim 33 wherein said fluid comprises a component selected from the group consisting of lypolitic fluid and hemostatic fluid.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
35 words
The device according to claim 15 further comprising a means for monitoring the constitution and flow rate of biological material removed during suction lipectomy, said monitoring means being in operative connection with said control means.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
22 words
The device according to claim 35 wherein active control is maintained over said device according to data received from said monitoring means.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
21 words
A device according to claim 1 further comprising a means for maintaining active control over vacuum pressure supplied to the cannula.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
14 words
A device according to claim 37 wherein said vacuum control means comprises a microprocessor.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
43 words
The device according to claim 37 further comprising a means for monitoring the constitution lipectomy, said monitor means being in operative connection and flow rate of biological material removed during suction lipectomy, said monitoring means being in operative connection with said control means.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
22 words
The device according to claim 39 wherein active control is maintained over vacuum pressure according to data received from said monitoring means.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
25 words
The device of claim 1 further comprising a means of supplying a fluid to an area in the vicinity of an aperture of the cannula.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
22 words
The device of claim 41 wherein said fluid comprises a component selected from the group consisting of lypolitic fluid and hemostatic fluid.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
35 words
The device according to claim 1 further comprising a means for monitoring the constitution and flow rate of biological material removed during suction lipectomy, said monitoring means being in operative connection with said control means.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
22 words
The device according to claim 43 wherein active control is maintained over said device according to data received from said monitoring means.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
11 words
A device according to claim 1 further comprising a handle means.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
42 words
A device according to claim 45 wherein said handle means is in operative attachment with the cannula to substantially minimize the distance between an operator's hand and a distal end of the cannula when the cannula is in a fully extended position.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
142 words
An automated device for performing suction lipectomy comprising: (a) a cannula; (b) a powered means including at least one pneumatic cylinder for producing a reciprocal, rectilinear motion of the cannula, said motion being of a stroke length of at least 1 cm.; (c) a means for operatively connecting the cannula to said means for producing a reciprocal, rectilinear motion; (d) a control means in operative connection with said powered means for maintaining active control over the reciprocal, rectilinear motion produced by the powered means, said control means being operable to control the reciprocal, rectilinear motion in a desired manner via a control signal provided to said powered means; and (e) a means for sensing cannula force, said sensing means comprising a means for measuring the pressure within said pneumatic cylinder, said pressure measuring means being in operative connection with said control means.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
142 words
An automated device for performing suction lipectomy comprising: (a) a cannula; (b) a powered means including at least one pneumatic cylinder for producing a reciprocal, rectilinear motion of the cannula, said motion being of a stroke length of at least 1 cm.; (c) a means for operatively connecting the cannula to said means for producing a reciprocal, rectilinear motion; (d) a control means in operative connection with said powered means for maintaining active control over the reciprocal, rectilinear motion produced by the powered means, said control means being operable to control the reciprocal, rectilinear motion in a desired manner via a control signal provided to said powered means; and (e) a means for sensing cannula force, said sensing means comprising a means for measuring the pressure within said pneumatic cylinder, said pressure measuring means being in operative connection with said control means.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
15 words
A device according to claim 47 wherein said pressure measuring means is a pressure transducer.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
96 words
An automated device for performing suction lipectomy comprising: (a) a cannula; (b) a powered means for producing a reciprocal, rectilinear motion of the cannula, said motion being of a stroke length of at least 1 cm., said powered means comprising at least one pneumatic cylinder; (c) a means for operatively connecting the cannula to said means for producing a reciprocal, rectilinear motion; (d) a control means in operative connection with said pneumatic cylinder for maintaining active control over the reciprocal, rectilinear motion produced by the at least one pneumatic cylinder; said control means comprising a microprocessor.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
96 words
An automated device for performing suction lipectomy comprising: (a) a cannula; (b) a powered means for producing a reciprocal, rectilinear motion of the cannula, said motion being of a stroke length of at least 1 cm., said powered means comprising at least one pneumatic cylinder; (c) a means for operatively connecting the cannula to said means for producing a reciprocal, rectilinear motion; (d) a control means in operative connection with said pneumatic cylinder for maintaining active control over the reciprocal, rectilinear motion produced by the at least one pneumatic cylinder; said control means comprising a microprocessor.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
18 words
A device according to claim 49 further comprising at least one servovalve in operative connection with said microprocessor.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
88 words
An automated device for performing suction lipectomy comprising: (a) a cannula; (b) a powered means for producing a reciprocal, rectilinear motion of the cannula, said motion being of a stroke length of at least 1 cm.; (c) a means for operatively connecting the cannula to said means for producing a reciprocal, rectilinear motion; and (d) a microprocessor for maintaining active control over the reciprocal, rectilinear motion produced by the powered means, said microprocessor controlling a servomechanism in a desired manner by providing a control signal to said servomechanism.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
88 words
An automated device for performing suction lipectomy comprising: (a) a cannula; (b) a powered means for producing a reciprocal, rectilinear motion of the cannula, said motion being of a stroke length of at least 1 cm.; (c) a means for operatively connecting the cannula to said means for producing a reciprocal, rectilinear motion; and (d) a microprocessor for maintaining active control over the reciprocal, rectilinear motion produced by the powered means, said microprocessor controlling a servomechanism in a desired manner by providing a control signal to said servomechanism.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
134 words
A automated device for performing suction lipectomy comprising: (a) a cannula; (b) a powered means including at least one pneumatic cylinder for producing a reciprocal, rectilinear motion of the cannula, said motion being of a stroke length of at least 1 cm.; (c) a means for operatively connecting the cannula to said means for producing a reciprocal, rectilinear motion; (d) a control means in operative connection with said powered means for maintaining active control over the reciprocal, rectilinear motion produced by the powered means, said control means being operable to control the reciprocal, rectilinear motion in a desired manner via a control signal provided to said powered means; and (e) switch means appropriately located for controlling the stroke length of the cannula, said switch means comprising magnetic reed switches disposed upon said pneumatic cylinder.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
134 words
A automated device for performing suction lipectomy comprising: (a) a cannula; (b) a powered means including at least one pneumatic cylinder for producing a reciprocal, rectilinear motion of the cannula, said motion being of a stroke length of at least 1 cm.; (c) a means for operatively connecting the cannula to said means for producing a reciprocal, rectilinear motion; (d) a control means in operative connection with said powered means for maintaining active control over the reciprocal, rectilinear motion produced by the powered means, said control means being operable to control the reciprocal, rectilinear motion in a desired manner via a control signal provided to said powered means; and (e) switch means appropriately located for controlling the stroke length of the cannula, said switch means comprising magnetic reed switches disposed upon said pneumatic cylinder.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
144 words
An automated device for performing suction lipectomy comprising: (a) a cannula; (b) a powered means including at least one pneumatic cylinder for producing a reciprocal, rectilinear motion of the cannula, said motion being of a stroke length of at least 1 cm.; (c) a means for operatively connecting the cannula to said means for producing a reciprocal, rectilinear motion; (d) a control means in operative connection with said powered means for maintaining active control over the reciprocal, rectilinear motion produced by the powered means, said control means being operable to control the reciprocal, rectilinear motion in a desired manner via a control signal provided to said powered means; and (e) a means for sensing cannula force, said sensing means being selected from the group consisting of cantilevered sensors, strain gauges and load cells, said sensing means being in operative connection with said control means.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
144 words
An automated device for performing suction lipectomy comprising: (a) a cannula; (b) a powered means including at least one pneumatic cylinder for producing a reciprocal, rectilinear motion of the cannula, said motion being of a stroke length of at least 1 cm.; (c) a means for operatively connecting the cannula to said means for producing a reciprocal, rectilinear motion; (d) a control means in operative connection with said powered means for maintaining active control over the reciprocal, rectilinear motion produced by the powered means, said control means being operable to control the reciprocal, rectilinear motion in a desired manner via a control signal provided to said powered means; and (e) a means for sensing cannula force, said sensing means being selected from the group consisting of cantilevered sensors, strain gauges and load cells, said sensing means being in operative connection with said control means.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
173 words
An automated device for performing suction lipectomy comprising: (a) a cannula; (b) a powered means including at least one pneumatic cylinder for producing a reciprocal, rectilinear motion of the cannula, said motion being of a stroke length of at least 1 cm.; (c) a means for operatively connecting the cannula to said means for producing a reciprocal, rectilinear motion; (d) a control means in operative connection with said powered means for maintaining active control over the reciprocal, rectilinear motion produced by the powered means, said control means being operable to control the reciprocal, rectilinear motion in a desired manner via a control signal provided to said powered means; (e) a means for sensing force exerted upon said cannula by said powered means, said means for sensing cannula force being in operative connection with said control means; and (f) a means for ceasing powered operation of said powered means when cannula force exceeds a predetermined threshold value, said means for ceasing powered operation being in operative connection with said means for sensing cannula force.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
173 words
An automated device for performing suction lipectomy comprising: (a) a cannula; (b) a powered means including at least one pneumatic cylinder for producing a reciprocal, rectilinear motion of the cannula, said motion being of a stroke length of at least 1 cm.; (c) a means for operatively connecting the cannula to said means for producing a reciprocal, rectilinear motion; (d) a control means in operative connection with said powered means for maintaining active control over the reciprocal, rectilinear motion produced by the powered means, said control means being operable to control the reciprocal, rectilinear motion in a desired manner via a control signal provided to said powered means; (e) a means for sensing force exerted upon said cannula by said powered means, said means for sensing cannula force being in operative connection with said control means; and (f) a means for ceasing powered operation of said powered means when cannula force exceeds a predetermined threshold value, said means for ceasing powered operation being in operative connection with said means for sensing cannula force.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
152 words
An automated system for performing suction lipectomy comprising: (a) a cannula; (b) a powered means for producing a reciprocal, rectilinear motion of the cannula, said motion being of a stroke length of at least 1 cm.; (c) a means for operatively connecting the cannula to said means for producing a reciprocal, rectilinear motion; (d) a control means in operative connection with said powered means for maintaining active control over the reciprocal, rectilinear motion produced by the powered means, said control means comprising means for providing a control signal to said powered means responsive to input from the group consisting of a predetermined waveform and feedback resulting from operation of said cannula, said control means being operable to control the reciprocal, rectilinear motion in a desired manner via the control signal provided to said powered means; and (e) a protective sheath through which the cannula may pass to protect skin surrounding an incision.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
152 words
An automated system for performing suction lipectomy comprising: (a) a cannula; (b) a powered means for producing a reciprocal, rectilinear motion of the cannula, said motion being of a stroke length of at least 1 cm.; (c) a means for operatively connecting the cannula to said means for producing a reciprocal, rectilinear motion; (d) a control means in operative connection with said powered means for maintaining active control over the reciprocal, rectilinear motion produced by the powered means, said control means comprising means for providing a control signal to said powered means responsive to input from the group consisting of a predetermined waveform and feedback resulting from operation of said cannula, said control means being operable to control the reciprocal, rectilinear motion in a desired manner via the control signal provided to said powered means; and (e) a protective sheath through which the cannula may pass to protect skin surrounding an incision.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
52 words
A system according to claim 55 wherein said protective sheath comprises: (a) a protective element, said protective element formed with a passage therethrough to allow the cannula to pass therethrough; (b) an external abutment means attached to said protective element; and (c) an expandable internal abutment means attached to said protective element.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 56 wherein said expandable internal abutment means comprises an inflatable bladder.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 56 wherein said external abutment means is pivotally attached to said protective element.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
18 words
The system of claim 56 wherein said expandable internal abutment means is pivotally attached to said protective element.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
11 words
A device according to claim 55 further comprising a handle means.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
42 words
A device according to claim 60 wherein said handle means is in operative attachment with the cannula to substantially minimize the distance between an operator's hand and a distal end of the cannula when the cannula is in a fully extended position.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
134 words
An automated device for performing suction lipectomy comprising: (a) a cannula; (b) a powered means including at least one pneumatic cylinder for producing a reciprocal, rectilinear motion of the cannula, said motion being of a stroke length of at least 1 cm; (c) a means for operatively connecting the cannula to said means for producing a reciprocal, rectilinear motion; (d) a control means in operative connection, with said powered means for maintaining active control over the reciprocal, rectilinear motion produced by the powered means, said control means being operable to control the reciprocal, rectilinear motion in a desired manner via a control signal provided to said powered means; and (e) a means for sensing force exerted upon said cannula by said powered means, said sensing means being in operative connection with said control means.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
134 words
An automated device for performing suction lipectomy comprising: (a) a cannula; (b) a powered means including at least one pneumatic cylinder for producing a reciprocal, rectilinear motion of the cannula, said motion being of a stroke length of at least 1 cm; (c) a means for operatively connecting the cannula to said means for producing a reciprocal, rectilinear motion; (d) a control means in operative connection, with said powered means for maintaining active control over the reciprocal, rectilinear motion produced by the powered means, said control means being operable to control the reciprocal, rectilinear motion in a desired manner via a control signal provided to said powered means; and (e) a means for sensing force exerted upon said cannula by said powered means, said sensing means being in operative connection with said control means.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
30 words
A device according to claim 62 further comprising a means for warning an operator when said force exerted upon said cannula by said powered means exceeds a predetermined threshold valve.
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